Are you looking for some last minute birthday present ideas? It has happened to us all, the party invite that has gotten buried in the bottom of the schoolbag or the one that arrived so early that you forgot about it until nearer the time. We have teamed up with Schoolbooks.ie to put together some quick ideas for when you need that last minute birthday present to help take the pressure off!
Have you been left trying to get to the shops to buy a last minute birthday present, in between work, school runs and everything else that life throws at you?
One bit of advice that has worked for me is to stockpile a few age appropriate gifts and birthday cards to call on for last minute invites!
Here are some last minute gift ideas to help you out.
Last Minute Birthday Present Ideas
#1. Order Online

Invent Fantastic flying machines from Schoolbooks.ie
Instead of trying to get to the shops, how about ordering online? Many online retailers such as Schoolbooks.ie deliver within 24 to 48 hours and you can get everything from books and games to stationery, toys and tech.
You could even get the present delivered directly to the child, who will be excited to receive a gift by post.
Here are some fun gift ideas you can find on Schoolbooks.ie at the time of writing:
- Invent Fantastic Flying Machines (€14.99)
- Children & Teen Books (from €3.95)
- Ballerina Fibre Tip Connector Pen Box (from €12.99)
- Little Hands Wooden Education Games (from €11.95)
- Snazaroo Ultimate Party Pack Face Paints (€23.99)
Parents can shop hassle-free with Schoolbooks.ie!
Schoolbooks.ie has everything a busy parent might need for their children during the school year, from school books to a fantastic array of novels, stationery, learning resources, lunch items and more.
However, did you know you can also find an endless amount of ideas for your kid’s and their friend’s birthdays? Children’s books, face paints, painting sets, educational toys, games and much more! And best of all, you can order an express delivery if you have a last minute birthday present to send!
#2. Photo Gift
For a personalised gift in the hurry, how about printing out a picture of the birthday child and framing it? It will be something they can treasure forever.
Or, if time allows, you could put together a photo book or order a canvas print. Look out for online deals on sites like Groupon and Living Social.
#3. Voucher For An Experience
Instead of money, you could buy the birthday child a voucher. You could give them a gift of film with a cinema voucher or one for their favourite restaurant or an experience such as pottery painting, bowling, swimming or water sports. Depending on the value, they may even be able to treat their BFF too.
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#4. Homemade Gift
From a jar of their favourite sweets to a jar of homemade cookies, this gift will show that you have put some thought into the birthday present. Alternatively you could create a homemade card to accompany the present.
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#5. Bouquet of Flowers
You may not think of giving the gift of flowers to younger children. But it was my niece’s 5th birthday last year and I happened to be in the grocery store when I spotted some beautiful bouquets of flowers.
My husband is her godfather and he had gotten her a present but I added the bouquet for him to give to her. She felt so grown up and it was all she talked about for the next month!
Sometimes the most simple things are what makes children feel special. Again you could order online and have the flowers delivered on the day.
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#6. Phone Credit
If the birthday teen has a mobile phone and you know what network they are with, phone credit is always a welcome birthday present.
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#7. Clothes
Clothes can make a lovely birthday present. But remember, whether you order online or buy in-store get a gift receipt and let the birthday child know you won’t be offended if they want to exchange the gift.
#8. A Pinata Full of Treats
What child or teen wouldn’t enjoy receiving a pinata full of treats? Pinatas are widely available to buy filled or unfilled from party supply stores. And they come in a range of designs from unicorns to superheroes to suit all ages.
#9. Name A Star For Them
Imagine how special it would be to have a star in the galaxy named after you! Every night you could look up and imagine where your star is.
There are many online companies who offer this service. It can be ordered online and you will receive a certificate to print out and present to the birthday boy or girl.
Over to you now. Anything memorable that you have given that went down a treat? Any other suggestions for last minute birthday present ideas? Tell us in the comments below.